Due to the increased cost in processing fees (From $65.00 to $75.00), the hunter fee will increase from $10.00 to $20.00 as of the 2018 / 2019 season for deer weighing 50 lbs or more (dressed weight), and will increase from $30.00 to $40.00 for deer weighing less than 50 lbs.

During the early season (from Sept. 8 til Sept. 28), the hunter's fee will be waived, except for small deer (dressed weight under 50 lbs), where the hunter's fee will remain at $40.00.

The hunter's fee will also be waived from the day following the six-day firearm season until the end of Winter bow season (from Dec. 9, 2018 - Feb. 16, 2019), except for small deer (dressed weight under 50 lbs.), where the hunter's fee will remain at $40.00.

Venison has become a very valuable item at the food banks. Donations will still be accepted if hunters wish to help with the cost of processing, but will not be mandatory.

Hunters Helping the Hungry, a nonprofit organization founded by two Hunterdon men, reports two successful fundraising events in May — a clay-bird shoot in Coplay, Pa., that netted more than $3,300 and a striper-fishing trip that pulled in more than $1,000.

HHH is a statewide organization, but most of its trustees are from Hunterdon. It invites hunters to donate their deer, which are butchered and the meat is distributed to the needy via organizations such as NORWESCAP and Catholic Charities. A hunter donating a carcass also donates $10 toward butchering, but even at discounted prices, it costs $65 to cut up a deer. So HHH relies on donations and fundraising events.

HHH trustee Mark Charbonneau of Clinton Township said, fellow trustee “Joe Schultz and I made a point during introductions at both of our events to let all of those participating understand that although HHH has a board of trustees, those who participate in our program by donating deer, support financially or participate in our events are all part of a powerful team.”

The May 6 clay-bird shoot drew representation from the Hunterdon Hills Friends of NRA Chapter, New Jersey Federation of Sportman’s Clubs, Croton Rod and Gun Club, Editor Chris Lido from the Fisherman Magazine and Gals Gone Gun. The North American Hunting Club 2011 Mentor of the Year John Clites showed up from western Pennsylvania bringing a foursome with him.

“Support from local retailers such as Sportsman’s Rendezvous in Raritan Township, the Heritage Guild in Branchburg and even Cabela’s in Hamburg, Pa., remains to be a constant, proving that they are ready to make an investment in HHH with a goal of assisting those not as fortunate as most in our state,” said Charbonneau. “The decision makers of these companies recognize what we are doing and are ready to help.”

He reports that almost 800 deer were donated last season and that yielded almost 30,000 pounds of venison. “In other words, almost 120,000 servings of a low-fat, high-protein, renewable resource made its way to the dinner tables of families in need thanks to the dedication of so many people in our state.”

The next HHH clay-bird shoot will take place at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays in Coplay on Sept. 30. Check the website huntershelpingthehungry.org in the coming months for registration instructions or call Charbonneau at 908-447-8470 to sign up.